Welcome to Trouble Free Pool

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Pool Equipment

Purchasing a pool pump can often be frustrating and expensive process. Pool builders often steer customers towards pumps larger than are required for their pool. Over time, a pump which is too large for the plumbing and equipment could not only cause damage to the filter and other components but will use more energy than a smaller pump and not deliver that much more performance for the extra cost in energy.
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There are three basic types of pool filters, all in widespread use - Sand, DE (diatomaceous earth) and Cartridge. Each type has its pros and cons, but when used properly, any of the three will do an excellent job of keeping your pool clear and free of all but the smallest particles.
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One of the most important pieces of equipment for your pool may be the filter gauge. A properly working filter gauge can tell you a lot about the health and well-being of your plumbing system. Besides knowing when to clean your filter, your filter gauge can help you diagnose common pool problems.

The actual pump run time you need primarily depends on the relative size of your pool, the pump flow rate, the amount of debris that falls into the pool and the use of solar panels (or not). Every pool is different and each pool owner needs to figure it out for themselves. Historically, the rule of thumb has been to run the pump at least 1 turnover per day. However, that has turned out to be a very poor indicator of actual required pump run time.
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While most people know that a filter is a key component of a swimming pool's filtration system, quite a few do not realize that the filter needs to be cleaned periodically to insure proper equipment performance and cleanliness of the pool water. This article will discuss why maintenance cleaning is a good idea, then tell how to clean each of the 3 types of filters; cartridge (or cart), sand and finally both types of the Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters.
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A salt water chlorine generator (SWG) uses electricity to convert salt into chlorine. As the chlorine gets used up, it turns back into salt, ready to be reused. With a SWG, you are still using chlorine, the SWG simply takes care of adding the chlorine for you.
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These water balance tips for SWGs will help you maintain your salt pool with the fewest problems. If you follow them you will probably never need to SLAM (or shock) your pool and you will maintain a more stable pH then if you go outside of these limits. They might not agree exactly with the manufacturer's recommended levels but they WORK and will help you have a Trouble Free Salt Pool!
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Automatic Pool Cleaners are one of the most labor-saving (and expensive) accessories for your pool. Why do some cleaners cost $99.00 and some cost $3000+? Which one is correct for your pool?

Essentially, you pay for cleaning horsepower. The bigger and faster the cleaner, the more you will pay. Smaller pools do fine with smaller (less expensive) cleaners. A big pool does best with a big, powerful vacuum.

In order of cleaning power (and price), here are the three basic types:
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